Nihango!

The Treadmill Sensei has returned from a very relaxing weekend with the family. Ok, more like a semi-relaxing weekend spent at a party with more than 60 of my wife’s family. God, it’s good to be back to work. I was even glad to see Hikaru’s Fugly face gazing back at me as I entered the DOJO this morning…wow, who’d have thought I’d ever type that sentence?

As always, at these family gatherings, I have members of my beloved’s extended family either trying to get advice on what treadmill or elliptical they should buy…or, I’m having the less intelligent members of her family trying to rub in how they went against my advice and bought a new Proform treadmill from Sears. To those, I just chuckle quietly to myself and wait for the repair calls to come in.

This week I must confess to some of my advice being taken and it not having been the best…at least, not how it was followed. My wife’s cousin, based on what he’d read here on the Treadmill Sensei, went out and purchased a Spirit Treadmill. “Great,” you say. “The Treadmill Sensei is continuing telling us how fantastic the Spirit treadmills are, so his cousin-in-law made out. Yay!”

Well, in this case, we’ve got a little bit of a problem. You see, the aforementioned cousin-in-law went out and purchased the little brother of the Spirit Z88: he bought the Spirit Z8 treadmill. Unfortunately, the Spirit Z8 just doesn’t quite live up to the reputation of it’s bigger brother.

I want to start off by saying the Spirit Z8 treadmill is by no means a bad or poorly made piece of equipment. Not at all. It is a well constructed and sturdy a treadmill. The problem is that it just doesn’t quite stack up, features-wise, to everything else at its price point.

You see, at an average price of $999, the Spirit Z8 treadmill only comes with a 2 horsepower motor…and, while it is a well made, cool running 2 horsepower motor, the Spirit Z8 comes up lacking in a world of the Ironman 320t Treadmill with a 2.5 horsepower motor, the Horizon T63 with a 2.25 horsepower motor, the Fitnex T30 with a 2.2 or even the Ironman 220t with a 2.25. For almost a thousand dollars, a customer should expect a larger motor for his money.

Moving on to the side of the deck, the Spirit z8 treadmill comes up short here to with a tiny 50″x18″ deck. This is just too small of a running surface (I’d call it a walking surface) for anything over about $599. It’s not impressive at all.

Let’s go over some of the other features of the Spirit Z8 treadmill: a 275 pound max capacity comes up short in an arena where 325-350 is standard; the 2.5″ rollers are average for this price point, as are the 5 programs. The lack of wireless heartrate monitoring is a bit of a disappoint.

On the plus side, the unit does have a great Spirit warranty coming in at 5 years for parts and 1 year for labor.

All in all, the Spirit Z8 isn’t bad, it’s just not really all that great. For trying to scrape by using Spirit’s good name, the Treadmill Sensei gives the Spirit Z8 treadmill 2.5 golden buddahs out of 5.

The Z8 Treadmill from Spirit comes up average with a 2.5 out of 5.


Find out more about the Spirit Z8 Treadmill and get the lowest price online.

Spirit Z8 Treadmill Specifications
Motor: 2.0 HP
Max Weight Capacity: 275 lbs.
Folding: Yes
Max Speed: 10 MPH
Max Incline: 11%
Heart Rate Monitoring: Pulse grip
Heart Rate Control: No
Programs: 5
Display Type: LCD
Roller Size: 2.5″
Deck Thickness: 1″
Running Area: 18″ x 50″

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Moshi Moshi!

After a day away from the DOJO on Monday, the Treadmill Sensei has returned, relaxed and re-energized, ready to share his fitness wisdom with the internet masses. Yesterday we had a walk in customer here at the DOJO (well, they called before they walked in), which is a bit unusual. Normally we don’t really work with the general public because our calls will come in from vendors, gyms or manufacturers about setting up services calls for myself or one of the younger Senseis to go out and perform. Even more out of the ordinary, the customer brought in a unit that I had never seen before…a fact which Hikaru had a lot of fun teasing me about. I told him that I leave knowing EVERYTHING to God….I just know ALMOST everything.

The unit the customer brought in was the Horizon E70 Elliptical which he bought at a Dick’s Sporting Goods locally a month or so before. Upon putting the E70 Elliptical together once he got home, the customer quickly realized the rails were bent and his monitor wasn’t working. As a service tech for more than 20 years I am very familiar with Horizon, so I was eager to get a chance to check out the Horizon E70.

Taking the Horizon E70 off of the truck, I quickly realize this tiny unit was probably the new version of Horizon’s old E51 Elliptical from 2004/2005. This excited me because the Horizon e50 series was a great line of very good feeling, budget ellipticals. Luckily, we had an old E51 machine left in the warehouse and never picked up by a former client. With the help of our new “intern,” Johnny, I put the machines together for some side by side comparisons…and this is what we found:

The Horizon E70 elliptical appears to be a downgraded or downsized version of the already low-end Horizon E51. The E70 is about 30 pounds lighter than its predecessor and has a very short stride of 14 inches (as compared to the 16 inch stride of the E51). It only has 10 levels of magnetic resistance versus 15 on the Horizon E51 (a note about resistance: the resistance range was the same on the two units, the E51 just had a higher incremental range than the Horizon E70 elliptical).

Both the Horizon E70 and the E51 both had pulse grip heart rate monitoring, LCD monitors, 1 year parts/labor warranties and articulating pedals (which assist in your circulation and comfort while working out). Neither one has programs, work out fans or very many extras at all.

The plus side is, in spite of the shorter stride, the Horizon E70 was still very smooth. So, if you’re a shorter person you’d be very please with the natural motion of this machine.

All in all, the Horizon E70 elliptical was a very decent machine for the price (around $499). I was disappointed that it wasn’t as robust as the machine it replaced and lost the longer stride length. If you’re on a very strict budget and want to get an elliptical then the Horizon E70 might be a good choice. I would recommend the even better Horizon EX22 if you can. The longer stride and heavier unit will feel even better. The EX22 can be found for between $499 and $599 with free shipping if you shop around online.

My final word on the Horizon E70 Elliptical is that I am torn. I love that Horizon has released another budget level treadmill to the mass mark. I’m disappointed that it has lost some of the better features of the E51 and that seems to only be available at brick and mortar stores, which makes it harder to get a good deal (and get out of paying sales tax) by going online. The Treadmill Sensei gives the Horizon E70 a very solid 3 our of 5 Golden Buddahs.

The word of the Sensei is: 3 out of 5 for the Horizon E70.

Compare the Horizon E70 elliptical

Horizon E70 Elliptical Specifications
Front-drive design
Heavy-duty flywheel
Magnetic resistance
250-pound capacity
Pivoting pedals
14″ stride
5 LCD windows
10 resistance levels
Contact HR

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Ohiyo Gozaimasu!

Yesterday was a very long day at the DOJO for the Treadmill Sensei and I do apologize for the lack of a review. We had a batch of Bowflex Treadclimbers come in from a local gym that needed a ton of work. Those things are easily one of the poorest implemented fitness products I’ve seen in a long time. However, my dislike of low quality fitness equipment from Nautilus is a story for another today because today we are going to look at one of the best treadmill manufacturers on the block, Star Trac.

Star Trac is one of the older treadmill manufacturers around, and they have been producing high quality, commercial equipment since the mid seventies. Although they’ve been around for 30+ years now, they’ve really come in to prominence within the last 4-5 years as they (along with Matrix) have started to nudge Life Fitness and Precor out of the top spots in a lot of fitness facilities and gyms. Their equipment, especially their treadmills, is easily at the top of everyone’s list.

The unit I enjoy the most in the Star Trac line is the Star Trac Pro Treadmill. If the Matrix T5X is a sporty Lexus Treadmill, then the Star Trac Pro Treadmill is a beefy BMW four-door sedan. The Pro treadmills are big, beef and loaded to the brim with workout goodness.

The first thing I want to talk about is the motor, a 5 horsepower beast that will probably outlast its owner. In the 10+ years I’ve been working on Star Trac treadmills, I have never had one come in to the repair shop with a bad motor or a motor that’s been worn out from normal use. Any that do come in with motor issues are always from misuse or improper care. The motors used in the Star Trac Pro treadmill are some of the best built and designed. They’re big (did I mention 5 HP?), very low RPMs but high power, and they run cool. Star Trac built their motor for a great work out and a long life. You’ll never feel speed slippage on a properly cared for Star Trac Pro.

There are two reasons why a lot of atheletes do their training on the Star Trac Pro Treadmill (and its bigger brother, the Star Trac Elite Treadmill): stability and running surface. The Star Trac Pro Treadmill comes with a 62×20 running area, one of the longest you can get without moving up to an ultra highend Fitnex Specialty Treadmill (you know, the ones that go up to 25 miles per hour and a 25 degree incline). If you’re training for a marathon and need to do a high intensity, long running, variable work out, then you’ll also be very happy with the stability of the machine. The Star Trac Pro Treadmill will not move, slide or shake during even the most intense of workouts. They weight approximately 350 pounds and every bit of the Pro Treadmill’s aluminium frame is rock steady. Even the side runners are solid for standing on when you need to start or stop a routine quickly. From my experience the Star Trac Treadmills are some of the sturdiest short of one of the Noramco Super Tread Treadmills.

Some of the other features on the Star Trac Pro Treadmill are: a reversible 1 inch deck which does not require waxing; huge 3 inch rollers; a max 15 degree incline; top speed of 12.5 miles per hour, starting at .5 and moving up in .1 increments; integration with Palm OS devices; two personal fansl; 9 workout programs; a great neoprene rubber based belt; and, my favorite, is the warranty which is a fantastic 5 years on the parts and 5 years on the labor. For gym owners and home users alike, that is a great plus. When you’re buying the best, you expect the best.

The only downside for a lot of home buyers is going to be the price…but, remember, you’re buying a BMW so expect to pay for it. Prices on the Star Trac Pro Treadmills start at around $5500 and go up from there. On the plus side, you can generally get free delivery if you order these online.

The final word on the Star Trac Pro Treadmill is: Wow. For putting out a treadmill that doesn’t give the Sensei a headache, I give the Star Trac Pro Treadmill 5 gold buddahs out of 5.

Thumbs up from the Sensei for the Star Trac Pro!

Star Trac Pro Treadmill Specifications
Horsepower: 5.0 HP
Max Weight Capacity: 500 lbs.
Reversible Deck: Yes
Maximum Speed: 12.5 MPH
Maximum Incline: 15%
Heart Rate Monitoring: Yes, pulse grip and wireless
Programs: 9 incliuding dynamic heart rate control, fitness test, and firefighter test
Special Features: Personal cooling fans, dedicated heart rate display, safety lockout control, entertainment ready, and FitLinxx certified
Grade: Commercial
Roller Size: 3″
Running Area: 20″ x 62″

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

The HealthTrainer HT502T gets a 3 out of 5 gold buddahs.

HealthTrainer Treadmill HT502t Specifications
Horsepower: 2.0
Motor Rating: Continuous Duty
Maximum Weight Capacity: 250 lbs.
Folding: Yes: shock assisted
Maximum Speed: 10 mph
Maximum Incline: 10%
Heart Rate Monitoring: Yes
Programs: 9; 3 pre-set, 6 custom
Display Type: 4-window LCD
Display Readouts: Incline, calories, distance, time, interval time, speed
Grade: Residential
Roller Size: 1.8″
Running Area: 51″x18″

Moshi Moshi!

Yes, my students, the Treadmill Sensei emerges once more from the depths of the DOJO to share his wisdom of all things fitness.

Today I want to discuss a very fine treadmill from Sole, the Sole F83 Treadmill — a version of which used to be called the Spirit Z300 treadmill. These units are almost identical, the only differences between the F83 and the Spirit Z300 is the upgrade fan attachment on the Sole F83 treadmill and the better warranty Sole gives its units over the one from Spirit direct. By almost identical, I mean the base Sole F83 is actually just a Spirit Z300 with the fan attachments added and a better warranty tacked on to it.

These Sole Units are arguably some of the finest treadmills under about $2500. The Sole F83s in particular are incredibly sturdy and durable. The machines themselves weight over 260 pounds and have a maximum weight capacity up over 350 pounds. If you want a treadmill which feels as good and solid as the ones your work out at your gym on, then the F83 treadmill by Sole may be the answer to your prayers. It is easy to see why the Hilton Hotels have adopted the Sole equipment for use in their workout centers. Heavy duty and low maintenance? It’s an easy sell.

Our experience with Sole here at the DOJO has always been excellent. We get 10-20 of the Sole F83 treadmills in each month to take out and set up for customers. As a testament to their high quality production, we might get a call to do service on an F83 treadmill once every 3-4 months. The Sole F83 stacks up to the best of the best, especially when you consider the price you’re paying for one — $1800 or there abouts with free shipping.

The 3 horsepower motor that Sole puts in to the Sole F83 treadmills is a monster. It is large, runs at lower RPMs, runs very cool and lasts forever. We joke here at the DOJO that after a nuclear the only thing left running around will be cockroaches and the Sole F83 treadmill motors. Surprisingly, the motor on the F83 treadmill runs very quiet in spite of its size.

For speed and incline, the Sole F83 goes 12 miles per hour and up to a 15 degree incline, well beyond anything else at this price point or below. If you’ve ever done a workout at a 15 degree incline then you know the intense workout it is. Talk about feeling the burn!

The running area is 58×20. That should be more than enough for even heavy duty runners.

As with all of the Sole units, the Sole F83 comes with a great console which breaks down every bit of information you could possibly need into its own window. If you’ve worked out on a Life Fitness machine at your local gym, then you’ll appreciate the ease of access on all of that info. No more stumbling around trying to keep running while your try to scroll through information on a treadmill’s console.

The final word on the Sole F83 treadmills is: if you’re looking to step up from a residential grade treadmill into something beefier and on par with the quality of a gym unit, then you’ll want to check out the F83 treadmill. Your happiness will be immeasurable.

The Treadmill Sensei gives the Sole F83 a very happy 4.5 Golden Buddahs out of 5.

Sole and Spirit produce another winner with the Sole F83 treadmill.

Get more information on the Sole F83 Treadmill. Find the best price online and save more with FREE SHIPPING and pay NO TAX.

Sole F83 Treadmill Specifications
Horsepower: 3.0
Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
Folding: Yes
Maximum Speed: 12 MPH
Maximum Incline: 15%
Heart Rate Monitoring: Yes, Pulse grip and chest strap
Heart Rate Control: Yes
Programs: 10: Standard, User Defined, and Heart Rate

Dimensions
Folded Size: 33″ x 33″
Product Weight: 262 lbs.
Deck Thickness: 1″

Warranty
Frame Warranty: Lifetime
Motor Warranty: 30 Years
Parts Warranty: 5 Years
Labor Warranty: 2 years

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

The Treadmill Sensei’s Elliptical Review Index

BLADEZ:

Moshi Moshi!

The golden doors of the DOJO open up once more to allow the wisdom of the Treadmill Sensei to flow freely to all on the internet.

My job as a service / repair tech who works on treadmills and ellipticals puts me in a bit of a strange position. On one hand I absolutely love elliptical and treadmill units which are poorly made and give me lots of work. On the other hand, I can stand crappy workmanship and wish all fitness equipment could be well made…perhaps then I could finally move on to my life long dream of building and racing gas powered miniature boats and planes.

Luckily, Horizon Fitness is putting out a lot of fine treadmills which may not increase the size of my pocketbook from repair jobs, but do allow me the peace of my plane building. At the highest end of the Horizon treadmill line is the Horizon T64 treadmill, priced at around $1299 (which should get you free inside deliver from any respectable internet dealer).

As with it’s smaller, high ranking brother, the Horizon T62 treadmill, the T64 treadmill comes with a very large Johnson Tech 2.5 horsepower motor. And when Johnson Tech puts a motor in a Horizon T64 treadmill, you can be assured that it big, has low RPMs and will last for a long time without hassle.

One of the things I would like to mention in regards to the T64 Treadmill by Horizon is how amazingly sturdy it is for a home treadmill. These things are solid and feel more like light commercial treadmills than the flimsy home versions that come from other manufacturers at this price point (Icon Fitness, once more, I’m pointing my finger at you). The Horizon T64 has a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds and will hold up well to larger users and longer workouts. The T64 treadmill comes ready to work.

The features of the Horizon T64 treadmill are: 12 mph speed, 12 degree incline, heart rate monitoring and control (meaning: you can set your heart rate and the machine will adjust your programs to keep you at that rate), 10 programs, a built in fan, hydraulically assistated folding (very well done) and Horizon’s patented Gel Cell shock absorption system to reduce the impact on your knees and ankles while running.

The only minor quibbles I have with the Horizon T64 are the size of the deck (an average 55×20) and the lesser warranty. At only 1 year for parts and labor, I wish Horizon would pump it up to be a bit more comparable with its competition. Luckily, the T64 treadmill by Horizon will last a good 4-5 years without any trouble and most of the very few problems that do pop up will be in the control board, which is easily and cheaply replaced.

If you’re comparing the Horizon T64 with the brick and mortar-only Horizon Elite series, then the T64 is going to be slightly better than the Elite 4.2t and just shy of the Elite 5.2t. If you’re looking at the Horizon Elite series then make sure to check out the T64 and its online brethren because you can get the same quality treadmills for a pretty large savings.

For putting out a very solid treadmill in the Horizon T64, I give the unit 4 Golden Buddahs out of 5 and a very hearty recommendation.

A fine machine at a fine price, the T64 Treadmill by Horizon gets 4 out of 5!

Horizon Fitness T64HR Treadmill Specifications
Horsepower: 2.5 HP
Frame Construction: Heavy gauge steel
Shock Absorption: Yes, 60 durometer, GelCell
Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 lbs.
Folding: YesMaximum Speed: 12 MPH
Maximum Incline: 12%
Heart Rate Monitoring: Yes, pulse grip and wireless telemetric
Heart Rate Control: Yes
Programs: 10: (6) preset: manual, intervals, golf course, weight loss, race, rolling, (2) custom, and (2) heart rate control programs
Display Readouts: RPM, watts, time, calories, heart rate, distance, and resistance level
Special Features: Built in personal fan and speed and incline toggle switches built into handles

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Thumbs up for a fine job on the Precor 546 Elliptical Trainer.

Compare the Precor 546 Elliptical and get more information. Save an additional 3% with Coupon Code TMSENSEI

Precor EFX 546 Specifications
Max User Weight: 400 lbs.
CrossRamp Range: 10-40 degrees
Resistance: 20 levels of intensity
Stride Length: 18″
Power: 120V or 240V; 50/60 Hz
Folding: No
Programs: 8
Heart Rate Control: Yes (with optional HRC installed – includes wireless chest strap)

Dimensions
Product: 78″ x 30″ x 61.5″ (assembled)
Product Weight: 220 lbs.